Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1864

Introduced
3/5/25  

Caption

Risky Research Review Act

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would significantly alter how federal funding is allocated for life sciences research. The Board would possess the authority to delay or deny funding based on evaluations of risk and potential consequences, thereby impacting ongoing and future research projects. Supporters argue that this will protect public health by ensuring that potentially dangerous research does not proceed without thorough scrutiny. However, there are concerns about how this could stifle innovative research that might benefit society.

Summary

House Bill 1864, titled the 'Risky Research Review Act,' proposes the establishment of the Life Sciences Research Security Board aimed at overseeing federal funding for life sciences research. This board will be responsible for reviewing any research classified as high-risk, particularly those involving high-consequence pathogens or gain-of-function studies. Its jurisdiction will ensure that funding allocations enhance public safety and health security while navigating the complex waters of scientific inquiry.

Contention

The bill also sparked contention regarding the scope and powers of the Board in determining what qualifies as high-risk research, with critics expressing fears that excessive regulation could hinder scientific progress. The requirement for ongoing disclosures by research entities about any changes in circumstances that could elevate the risk profile of a study is also debated. Proponents advocate for accountability and transparency, while opponents worry about the potential for overreach and bureaucratic obstacles that may be created in the name of safety.

Congress_id

119-HR-1864

Policy_area

Health

Introduced_date

2025-03-05

Companion Bills

US SB854

Related bill Risky Research Review Act

Similar Bills

US SB854

Risky Research Review Act

US HB1904

Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an Agriculture Climate Scientific Research Advisory Committee and a Rural Climate Alliance Network. The advisory committee, within USDA's Office of the Chief Scientist, must review and make recommendations on the agency's long-term and short-term national policies and priorities for (1) data collection for climate-specific agricultural research, extension, education, and economics; and (2) agricultural climate research.The Rural Climate Alliance Network must coordinate the provision of agriculture climate research, climate data, extension, and technical assistance for agricultural producers, the food and agricultural industry, nonprofit organizations, and researchers. The bill defines an agricultural producer as an individual who is engaged in farming, ranching, forestry, aquaculture, or another occupation relating to agriculture.USDA must also submit a report to Congress that includes a long-term strategy for responding to the challenges faced by agricultural producers that may impact agricultural producers' climate change resilience. The report must also include recommendations for further action by federal departments and agencies that are based on best practices.

US HB2582

Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act

US HB2385

CREATE AI Act of 2025 Creating Resources for Every American To Experiment with Artificial Intelligence Act of 2025

US SB306

Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025This bill provides statutory authority for existing wildfire response services of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and establishes new programs and collaborative efforts to improve fire forecasting and readiness.  Specifically, in addition to other efforts, the bill directs NOAA to establish a coordinated fire weather services program to support readiness for and responsiveness to wildfires, fire weather, smoke, post-fire flooding and debris, and related hazards;develop a digital presence to promote access to and use of the services, tools, data, and information produced by the fire weather services program;establish a fire weather test bed to facilitate the evaluation and implementation of new capabilities, including through research and development on the use of uncrewed aircraft systems (commonly known as drones) to improve data collection;conduct an annual assessment after the close of fire weather season to investigate data gaps and update systems as needed;evaluate and update, as appropriate, the Automated Surface Observing System (the primary surface weather network in the United States) and the system used to rate the risk of wildfire; andestablish an Incident Meteorologist Service within the National Weather Service to provide on-site support before, during, and after significant weather-related events.The bill also exempts federal wildland firefighters, fire management response officials, and accompanying incident meteorologists and management teams from certain premium pay limitations. Finally, the bill directs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate and report on the implementation of the fire weather services program, among other topics. 

US HB752

Methane Emissions Mitigation Research and Development Act

US HB375

Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025This bill establishes requirements to research and control Rapid Ohia Death, which is the disease caused by the fungal pathogen known as Ceratocystis fimbriata that affects the tree of the species Metrosideros polymorpha.Specifically, the Department of the Interior must partner with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Hawaii to control and address Rapid Ohia Death.In addition, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry must continue to research Rapid Ohia Death vectors and transmission.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must continue to partner with USDA, Hawaii, and local stakeholders to manage ungulates (e.g., certain mammals such as deer) in Rapid Ohia Death control areas on federal, state, and private land, with the consent of private landowners.Finally, the Forest Service must provide (1) financial assistance to prevent the spread of the fungus and to restore the native forests of Hawaii, and (2) staff and necessary infrastructure funding to the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry to research the fungus.

US SB933

NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025